Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals are in full swing across major retailers, but not all bargains are created equal. As the unofficial start of grilling season approaches in the United States, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are slashing prices on outdoor cooking equipment. The question isn’t whether deals exist—it’s which retailer is actually worth your money.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are the three major retailers competing for Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals.
- Memorial Day shopping typically offers the deepest discounts on outdoor cooking equipment of the year.
- Comparing prices across retailers is essential—the same model may be priced differently at each store.
- Limited-time holiday sales mean inventory moves quickly, especially on popular grill models.
- Each retailer has distinct strengths in product selection, delivery speed, and return policies.
Why Memorial Day BBQ and Grill Deals Matter Right Now
Memorial Day is the single biggest shopping event for outdoor grills in North America. Retailers stock up aggressively and discount heavily because demand spikes as families prepare for summer entertaining. This year is no exception—all three major retailers are running simultaneous promotions, which means shoppers have genuine leverage to compare and negotiate.
The timing matters. These deals typically last only through the Memorial Day weekend or a few days beyond. Waiting until June means missing the deepest discounts and facing reduced inventory on popular models. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your backyard setup, this window is the right time to act.
Amazon’s Memorial Day BBQ and Grill Deals Strategy
Amazon brings two advantages to Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals: Prime shipping speed and return flexibility. If you have a Prime membership, qualifying grills ship quickly, which matters if you’re buying close to the holiday. Amazon’s return window is also generous—30 days for most items, sometimes longer during promotional periods.
The trade-off is selection. Amazon stocks popular models but may have less depth in specialty or premium grills compared to dedicated retailers. Price-wise, Amazon often matches or beats competitors on bestsellers, but you need to check current prices manually—deals change hourly during sales events.
Best Buy’s Outdoor Cooking Focus
Best Buy has expanded its home and outdoor category significantly, and Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals reflect that investment. The retailer offers in-store pickup at many locations, which eliminates shipping delays and lets you inspect the grill before committing. Best Buy’s return policy is also straightforward—15 days for most items, with no restocking fees on grills.
Best Buy’s weakness is breadth. The retailer carries fewer grill models than Amazon or Walmart, focusing on mid-range and premium options. If you’re hunting for budget grills or obscure brands, Best Buy may disappoint. But if you want reliable, mainstream models with solid support, Best Buy’s curated selection and in-store service are genuine advantages.
Walmart’s Price Leadership on Memorial Day BBQ and Grill Deals
Walmart typically undercuts both Amazon and Best Buy on price, especially on mid-range grills and value brands. The retailer’s scale and supply chain efficiency mean Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals often feature lower absolute prices. Walmart also offers in-store pickup and same-day delivery in many markets, making it a genuine alternative to Amazon Prime.
Walmart’s downside is customer service and returns. While the policy allows returns within 15 days, in-store returns can be friction-heavy, especially for large items like grills. Shipping returns is also cumbersome. If something arrives damaged or defective, Amazon’s process is typically smoother.
How to Find the Best Deal Across All Three
Don’t assume one retailer wins across the board. Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals vary by model and category. A premium pellet grill might be cheapest at Amazon, while a basic charcoal grill could be lowest at Walmart. Create a shortlist of 3-5 specific models you’re interested in, then check the current price at all three retailers.
Watch for hidden costs. Walmart prices may exclude delivery; Amazon prices may assume Prime membership; Best Buy prices may not include in-store pickup savings. Factor in tax, delivery fees, and any membership requirements before declaring a winner. A deal that looks best on paper might cost more after fees.
What Makes a Memorial Day Deal Actually Worth It
Not every price drop is a genuine bargain. Some retailers inflate prices weeks before Memorial Day, then discount them back to normal—a tactic called anchor pricing. Look for grills that are actually rare at lower prices, not just ones that are on sale. If a grill has been the same price for months, a 10% Memorial Day discount isn’t newsworthy.
Real Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals involve either significant price reductions (20% or more) or bundle offers—free covers, tools, or fuel included. These bundles add real value without relying on inflated base prices. Check product reviews before buying, even on sale. A cheap grill that fails after one season is no bargain.
Timing Your Purchase
Memorial Day sales typically peak on the Thursday and Friday before the holiday weekend. Inventory is fullest, prices are sharpest, and you have time for delivery before the weekend. Buying on Memorial Day itself is riskier—some items may already be out of stock, and delivery timelines tighten. If you’re buying in-store at Best Buy or Walmart, arriving early on Friday or Saturday morning gives you the best selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which retailer has the fastest delivery for Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals?
Amazon typically offers the fastest delivery for Prime members, often same-day or next-day in major cities. Walmart’s same-day delivery is also competitive in well-served areas. Best Buy’s in-store pickup is fastest if you can visit a store, but shipping takes 5-7 business days.
Can you return a grill if you change your mind after Memorial Day?
Yes, but timelines vary. Amazon allows 30 days; Best Buy allows 15 days; Walmart allows 15 days. In-store returns are faster than shipping returns for large items. Check the specific return policy before purchasing, as some grills may have different windows.
Are Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals better than Black Friday deals?
Memorial Day deals are often deeper on grills specifically because demand peaks in late May. Black Friday deals are broader across all categories but may not beat Memorial Day pricing on outdoor cooking equipment. If you need a grill now, Memorial Day is the better time to buy.
The bottom line: Memorial Day BBQ and grill deals are real, but they require comparison shopping to win. Amazon excels at speed and returns, Best Buy at service and selection, and Walmart at price. Check all three, factor in total cost including delivery and taxes, and buy from whichever offers the best combination of price, service, and convenience for your specific grill choice. The best deal is the one you actually use, not just the one with the lowest sticker price.
Where to Buy
at Amazon | 29% OFFTraegerGrills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker$389$549.95shop now | 25% OFFBrand-Man4 Burner Propane Gas Grill With Infrared Side Burner$379.99$509.99shop now | 32% OFFTraegerGrills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker$499$729.99shop now | 30% OFFCuisinartChef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Grill$156.37$224.99shop now
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: TechRadar
